Why Did President Eisenhower Send Federal Troops To Little Rock, Arkansas In 1957?A. To Break A Boycott Of Public Transportation By The City's Black Residents B. To Protect Striking Black Garbage Workers From Police Brutality C. To Enforce

Introduction

In September 1957, the city of Little Rock, Arkansas, became a focal point in the struggle for racial equality in the United States. The integration of Little Rock Central High School, a predominantly white institution, was met with fierce resistance from local authorities and white citizens. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who had previously taken a cautious approach to civil rights, was forced to intervene, sending federal troops to the city to enforce the integration order. But why did President Eisenhower make this decision?

The Background: Little Rock and the Civil Rights Movement

In the early 1950s, the civil rights movement was gaining momentum across the United States. The Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) had declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, but many southern states, including Arkansas, refused to comply. In Little Rock, the city's school board had voted to integrate the city's high schools, but the decision was met with intense opposition from white residents.

The Crisis Unfolds: The Integration of Little Rock Central High School

On September 4, 1957, nine African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, attempted to integrate Little Rock Central High School. However, they were met with a mob of angry white protesters, who blocked their entrance to the school. The Arkansas National Guard, which had been deployed to the scene, refused to intervene, citing a state law that prohibited them from enforcing federal court orders.

President Eisenhower's Decision

President Eisenhower, who had previously taken a cautious approach to civil rights, was faced with a difficult decision. He knew that sending federal troops to Little Rock would be a significant escalation of the crisis, but he also knew that he had a responsibility to enforce the law and protect the rights of the Little Rock Nine. On September 24, 1957, Eisenhower ordered the deployment of 1,000 federal troops to Little Rock, who were tasked with escorting the Little Rock Nine into the school and maintaining order.

The Reasons Behind President Eisenhower's Decision

So, why did President Eisenhower send federal troops to Little Rock? There were several reasons behind his decision:

• To enforce the law: Eisenhower believed that the federal government had a responsibility to enforce the law and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their race.
• To protect the Little Rock Nine: The president was concerned about the safety of the nine African American students, who were facing intense opposition from white protesters.
• To maintain national unity: Eisenhower believed that the crisis in Little Rock was a threat to national unity and that the federal government had a responsibility to maintain order and stability.
• To set a precedent: By sending federal troops to Little Rock, Eisenhower was setting a precedent for future civil rights cases and establishing the federal government's authority to enforce desegregation orders.

The Aftermath: The Integration of Little Rock Central High School

The deployment of federal troops to Little Rock marked a turning point in the civil rights movement. The Little Rock Nine were finally able to integrate the school, and the city began to move towards greater racial equality. However, the crisis also highlighted the deep-seated racial tensions that still existed in the United States and the need for continued action to address these issues.

Conclusion

The integration of Little Rock Central High School was a significant event in the civil rights movement, and President Eisenhower's decision to send federal troops to the city was a crucial moment in the struggle for racial equality. By understanding the reasons behind Eisenhower's decision, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the civil rights movement and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in the United States.

Key Takeaways:

• President Eisenhower sent federal troops to Little Rock in 1957 to enforce the integration of Little Rock Central High School.
• The decision was motivated by a desire to enforce the law, protect the Little Rock Nine, maintain national unity, and set a precedent for future civil rights cases.
• The crisis in Little Rock highlighted the deep-seated racial tensions that still existed in the United States and the need for continued action to address these issues.
• The integration of Little Rock Central High School was a significant event in the civil rights movement and marked a turning point in the struggle for racial equality.
  

Q: What was the significance of the Little Rock Nine?

A: The Little Rock Nine were a group of nine African American students who attempted to integrate Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Their bravery and determination marked a significant moment in the civil rights movement, as they challenged the segregation laws that had been in place for decades.

Q: Why did President Eisenhower send federal troops to Little Rock?

A: President Eisenhower sent federal troops to Little Rock to enforce the integration of Little Rock Central High School. He believed that the federal government had a responsibility to enforce the law and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their race.

Q: What was the reaction of the white community in Little Rock to the integration of the school?

A: The white community in Little Rock was strongly opposed to the integration of the school. Many white residents, including parents and students, protested the presence of the Little Rock Nine, and some even resorted to violence to try and prevent them from attending the school.

Q: How did the integration of Little Rock Central High School affect the city of Little Rock?

A: The integration of Little Rock Central High School had a significant impact on the city of Little Rock. It marked a turning point in the civil rights movement, as it showed that the federal government was willing to take action to enforce desegregation laws. However, it also highlighted the deep-seated racial tensions that still existed in the city, and it would take many years for the city to fully recover from the trauma of the crisis.

Q: What was the outcome of the Little Rock Nine's experience at Little Rock Central High School?

A: The Little Rock Nine were eventually able to complete their education at Little Rock Central High School, but their experience was marked by intense opposition and violence from the white community. Despite these challenges, the students persevered and went on to achieve great things, including becoming lawyers, doctors, and business leaders.

Q: How did the Little Rock Nine's experience contribute to the broader civil rights movement?

A: The Little Rock Nine's experience contributed significantly to the broader civil rights movement. Their bravery and determination helped to galvanize support for the movement, and their story served as a powerful symbol of the struggle for racial equality. The Little Rock Nine's experience also highlighted the importance of federal intervention in enforcing desegregation laws, and it paved the way for future civil rights cases.

Q: What legacy has the Little Rock Nine left behind?

A: The Little Rock Nine have left behind a lasting legacy of courage, determination, and resilience. Their story has inspired countless people around the world, and it continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.

Q: How can we honor the memory of the Little Rock Nine?

A: We can honor the memory of the Little Rock Nine by continuing to work towards a more just and equitable society. We can support organizations that promote racial equality and social justice, and we can educate ourselves and others about the history of the civil rights movement. By doing so, we can help to ensure that the sacrifices of the Little Rock Nine are not forgotten, and that their legacy continues to inspire future generations.